South Windham sewer users will pick up all sewer-related costs under a new rate plan approved by the Town Council Tuesday night.

Sewer users pay an average of $26.50 a month. That total will rise to $48.84 under the plan, which places on those users 100 percent of the debt created by the Little Falls Wastewater Conveyance, the $6.5 million project connecting South Windham to the Portland Water District’s treatment facility in Westbrook. South Windham is the only section of town with access to the sewer.

South Windham properties approved by the Planning Board or permitted for construction but not built will be charged a “readiness to serve” fee of $23.75 a month under the plan. Town officials are working on a hardship relief plan to help residents who fall behind on their sewer bills.

In light of the Little Falls Wastewater Conveyance project, the council wanted to raise the rates, and was debating how much of the debt service should be paid by sewer users, and how much should be paid through the town’s general fund.

In voting for the plan, Councilor Blaine Davis said it was a fair outcome. But, he added, while the increase is only about $20 a month for sewer users, the percentage increase is high. A hardship relief plan is definitely necessary, Davis said.

Councilor Liz Wisecup said the yearly cost of using the sewer is now roughly equal to the cost of maintaining a septic system, which most other residents have to pay.

“I think it is pretty equitable for everybody in town to do it this way,” Wisecup said in voting for the plan.

No residents attended two public hearings held this month, said Councilor John MacKinnon, “which tells me that most people are OK with what is being proposed.”